Carlson, Lori M.Cool Salsa Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States.New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1994. 123 pages.Ages 13-18.Genre: Poetry.Language: English/Spanish
In this poem book you can find poems in two languages English and Spanish.Lori M. Carlson is an editor, translator and novelist.In 2005 she published Red Hot Salsa.She lives in New York City.
I liked this book because Lori M. Carlson selected all Latino poems in this book.I liked the poem “Where You From?” By Gina Valdes.This poem relates to people living in two cultures.I recommend this book because many Latino students can relate to the poems.I think children will enjoy reading the poems because they will recognize their own experiences in theses poems.This is a great book to introduce poetry.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/14/2008
Ryan Muñoz, Pam.theCrayon counting book.Massachusetts: Charlesbridge, 1996. 32 pages.Ages 5-8.Genre: Picture book.Language: English
In this colorful counting book, Pam Muñoz Ryan uses crayons to count. She did not start writing until after; she graduated from college, got married and had children.She now lives in San Diego, California. She also wrote Esperanza Rising that won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book. This is a great book because children will learn colors and numbers at the same time.In this book you will find that it counts by twos. Then it counts by odd numbers.It will also help with the spelling of colors and numbers.Children will enjoy this book because it is an easy book to read.I liked that the book starts with an empty box of crayons to represent zero. Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/17/2008
Lois, Lowry.The Giver.New York: Random House Children’s Books, 1993.179 pages.Ages 13-18.Genre: Contemporary fantasy.Language: English
In this novel, Lowry Lois tells the story of a community that all has no pain and citizens have no choice.Lowry Lois was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father had a military career as army dentist, made the family move all over the United States and the world.Lowry Lois was awarded the Newbery Medal twice, once for Number the stars in 1990 and secondly for The Giver in 1994. This is a great novel because students can respond in different way to it.I would recommend this book because it is different.The book does not have an ending.Every student can make his or her own ending. In this novel, everything is organized and planned in life.This is a great book for literature circles because students will have different points of view.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/9/2008
McCourt, Lisa Young, Mary Canfield, Jack Hansen, Mark V.The New Kid and the Cookie Thief. Florida: Health Communication, Inc., 1998.32 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture book.Language: English In this colorful giant picture book, Lisa McCourt tells the story of a young shy girl and her first day of school.Lisa McCourt worked for children’s book publishers for ten years.Then she started her own book packaging company Boingo Books.She is married and lives with her husband Greg, her son Tucker and her daughter Lily Kate.They now live in Boca Raton, Florida. This a great book because it has bright large pictures.Children will enjoy this book because many students can relate to the story.This story can be read to a class when there is a new student in class.This will help students understand how difficult it is to be a new student.This book addresses the theme of friendship and a new environment. This book has a lesson to offer, Julie thinks Brain is eating her cookies but she is eating his cookies.This happens because she is to shy to say anything. Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/15/2008
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve.New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2005.32 pages.Ages 3-6.Genre: Picture book.Language: English
In this colorful picture book, Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the story of Christmas Eve without snow.She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel.It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book. This is a great story to read to children at Christmas time.The pictures are big and colorful.The reason for the season is the nativity.Children will like this book because it doesn’t feel like Christmas if there is no snow. Students can relate to the story be telling their own Christmas traditions.Young children will enjoy this book because it is an easy read. Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/19/08
Ryan Muñoz, Pam.Amelia And Eleanor Go For A Ride.New York: Scholastic Press, 1999.40 pages.Ages 6-9.Genre: Picture story book.Language: English In this black and white picture story book, Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the story of two famous women.She did not start writing until after she obtained her master’s degree.She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel.It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book. This is a great story about two famous women.The theme in this book is friendship and inspiration.This book will inspire children to follow their dreams and believe that anything is possible.This not a color book but it has great pictures.I liked the book because it has a lot of description.This story is special because it is a true story. Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/19/2008 Myers, Walter Dean.Fallen Angels.New York: Scholastic Inc., 1988.309 pages.Ages 13-18.Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction.Language: English In this contemporary realistic fiction book, Walter Dean Myers tells the story of a young solider.His mother died when he was three years old.His foster family’s last name was Dean; he kept it as part of his own name.He won the Coretta Scott King Award for African American authors five times. I recommend this book to high school students.This book describes the war in Vietnam.Students will be able to relate to this book because we are at war now.Many students can connect to real life experiences.I recommend this book for use in a literature circle.Students are able to discuss the book and see other points of view.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/14/2008
Paulsen, Gary.Hatchet.New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1996.195 pages.Ages 12 and up.Genre: Survival story.Language: English In this survival story book, Gary Paulsen tells how Brian survives from a plane crash.Gary Paulsen was born in Minnesota and was raised by his grandmother and aunts.He is the author of more than 200 books.He lives in La Luz, New Mexico with his wife, Ruth Wright Paulsen.She is an artist who has illustrated several of his books.
The theme of this book is divorce and survival.I recommend this book because many student deal with these issues.I think students will like this book because there is a lot of action.This book will allow student to connect with real life experiences.Student can share their experiences of keeping a secret.This is a great book for literature circles because students will have different points of view. Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/20/08 Ryan Muñoz, Pam.Mice and Beans.New York: Scholastic Press, 2001.32 pages.Ages 4-8.Genre: Picture story book.Language: English In this colorful picture story book, Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the story of a grandmother who is preparing every detail for a party. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel.It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book. The theme of this book is love for everyone even for mice.I think most children can relate to family gatherings.This book is also available in Spanish.I liked the book because the grandmother always shows love for everything she does.The special element of this book is that even the mice help.Another positive point for this book is that it mentions the days of the week. Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/18/08
Ryan Muñoz, Pam.Mud Is Cake.New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2002.40 pages.Ages 0-4.Genre: Picture book.Language: English In this colorful picture book, Pam Muñoz Ryan put a lot of imagination.She remembers imaging just about anything as a child.She imagined that she could be a queen, an explorer, or a doctor.It was until she was an adult that she imagined being a children’s book writer. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel.It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book. This is a great because it has large colorful pictures.The theme is imagination. This book shows how children like to imagine and play pretend.Children will like this book because they will be able to relate to it. This book will lead children to imagine anything they want.It is fun to pretend so after reading the book the students can imagine anything and then share with the class. Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/19/2008
Annotated bibligraphies 1-10
Yolanda Rodriguez Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar.New York: Philomel Books, 1969.22 pages.Ages 0-4.Genre: Picture book.Language: English In this colorful picture book, Eric Carle tells how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.He illustrates beautiful large pictures and large text.He is the author and illustrator of this picture book. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has been translated into over 40 languages.Eric Carle was born in Syracuse, New York.At the age of six his parents moved to Germany.Returned to the United States as an adult and worked as a designer, then became an art director.In 2003, he won Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. I like this book because it is fun to look at the giant colorful pictures. The paper punching technique is awesome to see, how the caterpillar eats though all the food.The book also incorporated learning by the names of fruits, days of the week and the counting of the food.I would read this book to babies and preschool students.This book relates to nature.I read this book to my daughter, when she was a baby, she enjoyed looking at the pictures. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 25, 2008
Ada, Alma Flor, Thompson, Dyble K. (Illustrator).Me llamo Maria Isabel.New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1993.64 pages.Ages 7-10. Genre: Chapter book.Language: Spanish This chapter book is about a girl named Maria Isabel.Her teacher decides to change her name because she already has two other Maria’s.Alma Flor Ada was born in Cuba.Then she moved to Peru and began teaching there.She has written over 200 books.She is a Proponent of Bilingual Education and a professor at the University of San Francisco. This chapter book is written in Spanish and English.This book addresses the issues of many children that come to the United States from different countries.This is a great book to have in the classroom, because students can read it in both languages.They can read it in their native language first and then in their second language.I am sure that student will identify themselves with this book in one issue or another.This book will encourage student to speak up and realize that teacher are not always right. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 23, 2008 Garza, Carmen Lomas.Family Pictures / CuadrosDe Familia.California: Children’s Book Press, 1990.32 pages.Ages 6-8.Genre: Picture story book.Language: English/Spanish In this colorful illustrated picture story book, Carmen Lomas Garza demonstrates her artistic talents.This story is based on her experiences growing up in Kingsville, Texas.Carmen Lomas Garza is a Mexican American Artist.She was born in Kingsville, Texas.She now lives in San Francisco. This is a fabulous picture story book because the pictures speak for themselves. The pictures say more than a thousand words.This book is a must-have in the classroom because it is a dual language book.The theme of this book is family traditions.This is a great book to learn about Mexican traditions.The children can relate to these traditions or compare and contrast with their own traditions. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 31, 2008 Lobel, Arnold.Frogs and Toad Are Friends.New York: Harper Trophy, 1970.62 pages.Ages 4-8. Genre: Chapter book.Language: English In this chapter book, Arnold Lobel presents Frog and Toad adventures as best friends.Arnold Lobel was born in May 22, 1933 and died December 4, 1987.As a child he loved telling stories.He grew up in Schenectady, New York with his grandparents.He wrote over seventy books.Most popular books are Frog and Toad series, and Mouse Soup which won the Garden State Children’s Book Award from New Jersey Library Association.In 1971 he won Caldecott Honor Books for the book Frog and Toad Are Friends.In 1981 his book Fables won the Caldecott Medal. This in one of my favorite chapter books, because children can read on their own or listen to the cassette as they turn the pages.This is a great beginning to read book.The book is easy to read because there is a lot of repetition.The theme in this book addresses friendship.The importance of been a friend to one another.Children will like this book because the characters are animals and are dresses like real people. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 24, 2008 Brown, Marc (Created by) Krensky, Stephen, Brown, Marc Tolon (Illustrator).Buster Makes the Grade.Boston, New York, London: Little, Brown and Company, 1999.55 pages.Ages 8-11.Genre: Chapter book.Language: English In this black and white chapter book, Marc Brown brings animal characters to live.Buster a character in the book who needs to get a B on his next test or he will fail third grade.Marc brown is an American writer of children’s books.Most of the characters in his books are made of a combination of people in his life.He is a Daytime Emmy award winner.He lives in Hingham, Massachusetts. I recommend this chapter book because it is a good example for students to help each other by studding together.Buster felt hopeless but his friends helped him study and he passed to fourth grade.Since there is a television show about this book even non readers will be influenced to read it.Children will enjoy this book because it is familiar to them.What I liked more about this book was the support offered to Buster from his friend.Children will enjoy the happy ending. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 31, 2008
Woodson, Jacqueline, Lewis, E.B. (Illustrator).Coming On Home Soon.New York: G.P. Putnam’s Son’s, 2004.32 pages.Ages 6-8.Genre: Picture Book.Language: English Jacqueline Woodson writes about a young girl named Ada Ruth.The story is about the separation of the Ada Ruth and her mother.Coming On Home Soon is the winner of Caldecott Honor, ALA Notable, Booklist Editor’s Choice and Child Magazines Best of 2004.She also wrote other books, The Other Side, Hush, Locomotion and others.She grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and Brooklyn, New York.She now lives in Brooklyn, New York. The illustrator made me feel the sadness of the story with the dull color pictures.The theme of this story if separation.This book deals with many issues student can relate.The sacrifices families have to do in order to survive.The days are long for Ada Ruth, waiting for a letter from her mother.Student can think of a time, they were hoping for someone or something to arrive soon. The story has a very happy ending. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 26, 2008 Krull, Kathleen, Morales, Yuyi (Illustrator).Harvesting Hope:The Story of Cesar Chavez.San Diego, New York, London: Harcourt, Inc., 2003.48 pages.Ages 6-9.Genre: Non-fiction. Language:English In this colorful illustrated non-fiction book, Kathleen Krull tells the life of Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez is a very organized leader, who peacefully fights for justice. Kathleen was fired from the library at the age of fifteen.The reason for this was that she was found reading instead of working.She now lives in San Diego, California and is married to illustrator Paul Brewen.She won the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award with illustrator Yuyi Morales. This book addresses the theme of social justice.I recommend this book because it shows how one leader can make a difference in the live of many people.Children would like this book because of its beautiful enormous pictures and great story. I believe this book would be great in teaching student that one person can make a difference.A good example, of how people immigrate to the United States to work and better living conditions.Many children can relate to the book and can share their experiences of coming to the United States looking for a better life. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 30, 2008
Bunting, Eve, Himler, Ronald (Illustrator).Train To Somewhere.New York: Clarion Books, 1996.32 pages.Ages 5-8.Genre: Historical fiction.Language: English
This historical fiction book, takes us to the life of fourteen orphan children hoping for a caring family.Eve Bunting was born in Maghera, Nother Ireland.She has written more than two hundred fifty books.She attended school in Ireland and grew up telling stories.In 1958 moved to the United States with her husband and three children.She won the Golden Kite Award for One More Flight.She now lives in Pasadena and has four grandchildren.
I recommend this book because it includes a bit of history.This book is based in the 1800’s.This is an emotional book because families wanted boys and girls felt rejected.The theme of this book is special needs.The orphan children needed a caring family.Reading this book can help children appreciate what they have.
Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezJune 1, 2008
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. Esperanza Rising.New York: Scholastic Press, 2000.262 pages.Ages 8-12.Genre: Young adult novel.Language: English. In this young adult novel, Pam Munoz Ryan presents the life of Esperanza. In which the story resembles some of her grandmother’s life experiences.Esperanza Rising is a multiaward winning novel.It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers.She lives in San Diego, California with her family. This is a very emotional novel from beginning to end.The themes of this novel are many, the death of a loved one, the loss of the house, taking care of a sick loved one, the separation of a loved one, and the change of a life style. I recommend this book because it shows how persons live can change from one day to the next.Today you may have everything and tomorrow you have nothing.It also gives a lesson on how the poor people are more willing to give than the rich people.I believe that any child reading this book can relate to it in one way or another.After reading this book the young reader will feel that their problems are nothing compared to Esperanza’s problems.
Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 29, 2008 Polette, Keith, Szegedy, Esther (Illustrator).Isabel And The Hungry Coyote.Wisconsin: Raven Tree Press, LLC, 2004.32 pages.Ages 5-8.Genre: Traditional literature.Language: English/Spanish This book is the retelling of the folk tales Little Red Riding Hood.Isabel is the girls name and instead of a fox it’s a coyote.Keith Polette is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the English Education program at the University of Texas.His book The Winter Duckling won the International Reading Association’s Children’s Choice Award.He lives in El Paso, Texas with his cat, Emily. This book is full with colorful pictures.The book is mostly in English with a few words in Spanish.It includes a list of the Spanish words in the back of the book and next to it the English word. I recommend this book because student can compare Isabel And The Hungry Coyote to Little Red Riding Hood.I think children will like it because they already know the plot of the book just different characters.What I liked more about this book was the southwest setting. Reviewed by: Yolanda RodriguezMay 31, 2008
Carlson, Lori M. Cool Salsa Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1994. 123 pages. Ages 13-18. Genre: Poetry. Language: English/Spanish
In this poem book you can find poems in two languages English and Spanish. Lori M. Carlson is an editor, translator and novelist. In 2005 she published Red Hot Salsa. She lives in New York City.
I liked this book because Lori M. Carlson selected all Latino poems in this book. I liked the poem “Where You From?” By Gina Valdes. This poem relates to people living in two cultures. I recommend this book because many Latino students can relate to the poems. I think children will enjoy reading the poems because they will recognize their own experiences in theses poems. This is a great book to introduce poetry.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/14/2008
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. the Crayon counting book. Massachusetts: Charlesbridge, 1996. 32 pages. Ages 5-8. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
In this colorful counting book, Pam Muñoz Ryan uses crayons to count.
She did not start writing until after; she graduated from college, got married and had children. She now lives in San Diego, California. She also wrote Esperanza Rising that won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book.
This is a great book because children will learn colors and numbers at the same time. In this book you will find that it counts by twos. Then it counts by odd numbers. It will also help with the spelling of colors and numbers. Children will enjoy this book because it is an easy book to read. I liked that the book starts with an empty box of crayons to represent zero.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/17/2008
Lois, Lowry. The Giver. New York: Random House Children’s Books, 1993. 179 pages. Ages 13-18. Genre: Contemporary fantasy. Language: English
In this novel, Lowry Lois tells the story of a community that all has no pain and citizens have no choice. Lowry Lois was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father had a military career as army dentist, made the family move all over the United States and the world. Lowry Lois was awarded the Newbery Medal twice, once for Number the stars in 1990 and secondly for The Giver in 1994.
This is a great novel because students can respond in different way to it. I would recommend this book because it is different. The book does not have an ending. Every student can make his or her own ending. In this novel, everything is organized and planned in life. This is a great book for literature circles because students will have different points of view.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/9/2008
McCourt, Lisa Young, Mary Canfield, Jack Hansen, Mark V. The New Kid and the Cookie Thief. Florida: Health Communication, Inc., 1998. 32 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
In this colorful giant picture book, Lisa McCourt tells the story of a young shy girl and her first day of school. Lisa McCourt worked for children’s book publishers for ten years. Then she started her own book packaging company Boingo Books. She is married and lives with her husband Greg, her son Tucker and her daughter Lily Kate. They now live in Boca Raton, Florida.
This a great book because it has bright large pictures. Children will enjoy this book because many students can relate to the story. This story can be read to a class when there is a new student in class. This will help students understand how difficult it is to be a new student. This book addresses the theme of friendship and a new environment.
This book has a lesson to offer, Julie thinks Brain is eating her cookies but she is eating his cookies. This happens because she is to shy to say anything.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/15/2008
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2005. 32 pages. Ages 3-6. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
In this colorful picture book, Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the story of Christmas Eve without snow. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel. It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book.
This is a great story to read to children at Christmas time. The pictures are big and colorful. The reason for the season is the nativity. Children will like this book because it doesn’t feel like Christmas if there is no snow. Students can relate to the story be telling their own Christmas traditions. Young children will enjoy this book because it is an easy read.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/19/08
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. Amelia And Eleanor Go For A Ride. New York: Scholastic Press, 1999. 40 pages. Ages 6-9. Genre: Picture story book. Language: English
In this black and white picture story book, Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the story of two famous women. She did not start writing until after she obtained her master’s degree. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel. It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book.
This is a great story about two famous women. The theme in this book is friendship and inspiration. This book will inspire children to follow their dreams and believe that anything is possible. This not a color book but it has great pictures. I liked the book because it has a lot of description. This story is special because it is a true story.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/19/2008
Myers, Walter Dean. Fallen Angels. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1988. 309 pages. Ages 13-18. Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction. Language: English
In this contemporary realistic fiction book, Walter Dean Myers tells the story of a young solider. His mother died when he was three years old. His foster family’s last name was Dean; he kept it as part of his own name. He won the Coretta Scott King Award for African American authors five times.
I recommend this book to high school students. This book describes the war in Vietnam. Students will be able to relate to this book because we are at war now. Many students can connect to real life experiences. I recommend this book for use in a literature circle. Students are able to discuss the book and see other points of view.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/14/2008
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1996. 195 pages. Ages 12 and up. Genre: Survival story. Language: English
In this survival story book, Gary Paulsen tells how Brian survives from a plane crash. Gary Paulsen was born in Minnesota and was raised by his grandmother and aunts. He is the author of more than 200 books. He lives in La Luz, New Mexico with his wife, Ruth Wright Paulsen. She is an artist who has illustrated several of his books.
The theme of this book is divorce and survival. I recommend this book because many student deal with these issues. I think students will like this book because there is a lot of action. This book will allow student to connect with real life experiences. Student can share their experiences of keeping a secret. This is a great book for literature circles because students will have different points of view.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/20/08
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. Mice and Beans. New York: Scholastic Press, 2001. 32 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Picture story book. Language: English
In this colorful picture story book, Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the story of a grandmother who is preparing every detail for a party. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel. It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book.
The theme of this book is love for everyone even for mice. I think most children can relate to family gatherings. This book is also available in Spanish. I liked the book because the grandmother always shows love for everything she does. The special element of this book is that even the mice help. Another positive point for this book is that it mentions the days of the week.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/18/08
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. Mud Is Cake. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2002. 40 pages. Ages 0-4. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
In this colorful picture book, Pam Muñoz Ryan put a lot of imagination. She remembers imaging just about anything as a child. She imagined that she could be a queen, an explorer, or a doctor. It was until she was an adult that she imagined being a children’s book writer. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She also wrote Esperanza Rising which is a multiaward winning novel. It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book.
This is a great because it has large colorful pictures. The theme is imagination. This book shows how children like to imagine and play pretend. Children will like this book because they will be able to relate to it. This book will lead children to imagine anything they want. It is fun to pretend so after reading the book the students can imagine anything and then share with the class.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez 6/19/2008
Annotated bibligraphies 1-10
Yolanda Rodriguez
Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York: Philomel Books, 1969. 22 pages. Ages 0-4. Genre: Picture book. Language: English
In this colorful picture book, Eric Carle tells how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. He illustrates beautiful large pictures and large text. He is the author and illustrator of this picture book. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has been translated into over 40 languages. Eric Carle was born in Syracuse, New York. At the age of six his parents moved to Germany. Returned to the United States as an adult and worked as a designer, then became an art director. In 2003, he won Laura Ingalls Wilder Award.
I like this book because it is fun to look at the giant colorful pictures. The paper punching technique is awesome to see, how the caterpillar eats though all the food. The book also incorporated learning by the names of fruits, days of the week and the counting of the food. I would read this book to babies and preschool students. This book relates to nature. I read this book to my daughter, when she was a baby, she enjoyed looking at the pictures.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 25, 2008
Ada, Alma Flor, Thompson, Dyble K. (Illustrator). Me llamo Maria Isabel. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1993. 64 pages. Ages 7-10. Genre: Chapter book. Language: Spanish
This chapter book is about a girl named Maria Isabel. Her teacher decides to change her name because she already has two other Maria’s. Alma Flor Ada was born in Cuba. Then she moved to Peru and began teaching there. She has written over 200 books. She is a Proponent of Bilingual Education and a professor at the University of San Francisco.
This chapter book is written in Spanish and English. This book addresses the issues of many children that come to the United States from different countries. This is a great book to have in the classroom, because students can read it in both languages. They can read it in their native language first and then in their second language. I am sure that student will identify themselves with this book in one issue or another. This book will encourage student to speak up and realize that teacher are not always right.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 23, 2008
Garza, Carmen Lomas. Family Pictures / Cuadros De Familia. California: Children’s Book Press, 1990. 32 pages. Ages 6-8. Genre: Picture story book. Language: English/Spanish
In this colorful illustrated picture story book, Carmen Lomas Garza demonstrates her artistic talents. This story is based on her experiences growing up in Kingsville, Texas. Carmen Lomas Garza is a Mexican American Artist. She was born in Kingsville, Texas. She now lives in San Francisco.
This is a fabulous picture story book because the pictures speak for themselves. The pictures say more than a thousand words. This book is a must-have in the classroom because it is a dual language book. The theme of this book is family traditions. This is a great book to learn about Mexican traditions. The children can relate to these traditions or compare and contrast with their own traditions.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 31, 2008
Lobel, Arnold. Frogs and Toad Are Friends. New York: Harper Trophy, 1970. 62 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Chapter book. Language: English
In this chapter book, Arnold Lobel presents Frog and Toad adventures as best friends. Arnold Lobel was born in May 22, 1933 and died December 4, 1987. As a child he loved telling stories. He grew up in Schenectady, New York with his grandparents. He wrote over seventy books. Most popular books are Frog and Toad series, and Mouse Soup which won the Garden State Children’s Book Award from New Jersey Library Association. In 1971 he won Caldecott Honor Books for the book Frog and Toad Are Friends. In 1981 his book Fables won the Caldecott Medal.
This in one of my favorite chapter books, because children can read on their own or listen to the cassette as they turn the pages. This is a great beginning to read book. The book is easy to read because there is a lot of repetition. The theme in this book addresses friendship. The importance of been a friend to one another. Children will like this book because the characters are animals and are dresses like real people.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 24, 2008
Brown, Marc (Created by) Krensky, Stephen, Brown, Marc Tolon (Illustrator). Buster Makes the Grade. Boston, New York, London: Little, Brown and Company, 1999. 55 pages. Ages 8-11. Genre: Chapter book. Language: English
In this black and white chapter book, Marc Brown brings animal characters to live. Buster a character in the book who needs to get a B on his next test or he will fail third grade. Marc brown is an American writer of children’s books. Most of the characters in his books are made of a combination of people in his life. He is a Daytime Emmy award winner. He lives in Hingham, Massachusetts.
I recommend this chapter book because it is a good example for students to help each other by studding together. Buster felt hopeless but his friends helped him study and he passed to fourth grade. Since there is a television show about this book even non readers will be influenced to read it. Children will enjoy this book because it is familiar to them. What I liked more about this book was the support offered to Buster from his friend. Children will enjoy the happy ending.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 31, 2008
Woodson, Jacqueline, Lewis, E.B. (Illustrator). Coming On Home Soon. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Son’s, 2004. 32 pages. Ages 6-8. Genre: Picture Book. Language: English
Jacqueline Woodson writes about a young girl named Ada Ruth. The story is about the separation of the Ada Ruth and her mother. Coming On Home Soon is the winner of Caldecott Honor, ALA Notable, Booklist Editor’s Choice and Child Magazines Best of 2004. She also wrote other books, The Other Side, Hush, Locomotion and others. She grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and Brooklyn, New York. She now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
The illustrator made me feel the sadness of the story with the dull color pictures. The theme of this story if separation. This book deals with many issues student can relate. The sacrifices families have to do in order to survive. The days are long for Ada Ruth, waiting for a letter from her mother. Student can think of a time, they were hoping for someone or something to arrive soon. The story has a very happy ending.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 26, 2008
Krull, Kathleen, Morales, Yuyi (Illustrator). Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. San Diego, New York, London: Harcourt, Inc., 2003. 48 pages. Ages 6-9. Genre: Non-fiction. Language: English
In this colorful illustrated non-fiction book, Kathleen Krull tells the life of Cesar Chavez.
Cesar Chavez is a very organized leader, who peacefully fights for justice. Kathleen was fired from the library at the age of fifteen. The reason for this was that she was found reading instead of working. She now lives in San Diego, California and is married to illustrator Paul Brewen. She won the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award with illustrator Yuyi Morales.
This book addresses the theme of social justice. I recommend this book because it shows how one leader can make a difference in the live of many people. Children would like this book because of its beautiful enormous pictures and great story. I believe this book would be great in teaching student that one person can make a difference. A good example, of how people immigrate to the United States to work and better living conditions. Many children can relate to the book and can share their experiences of coming to the United States looking for a better life.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 30, 2008
Bunting, Eve, Himler, Ronald (Illustrator). Train To Somewhere. New York: Clarion Books, 1996. 32 pages. Ages 5-8. Genre: Historical fiction. Language: English
This historical fiction book, takes us to the life of fourteen orphan children hoping for a caring family. Eve Bunting was born in Maghera, Nother Ireland. She has written more than two hundred fifty books. She attended school in Ireland and grew up telling stories. In 1958 moved to the United States with her husband and three children. She won the Golden Kite Award for One More Flight. She now lives in Pasadena and has four grandchildren.
I recommend this book because it includes a bit of history. This book is based in the 1800’s. This is an emotional book because families wanted boys and girls felt rejected. The theme of this book is special needs. The orphan children needed a caring family. Reading this book can help children appreciate what they have.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez June 1, 2008
Ryan Muñoz, Pam. Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic Press, 2000. 262 pages. Ages 8-12. Genre: Young adult novel. Language: English.
In this young adult novel, Pam Munoz Ryan presents the life of Esperanza. In which the story resembles some of her grandmother’s life experiences. Esperanza Rising is a multiaward winning novel. It won the Pura Belpre Medal, the Jane Addams Award, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, and the Americans Award Honor Book. She has written over twenty-five books for young readers. She lives in San Diego, California with her family.
This is a very emotional novel from beginning to end. The themes of this novel are many, the death of a loved one, the loss of the house, taking care of a sick loved one, the separation of a loved one, and the change of a life style. I recommend this book because it shows how persons live can change from one day to the next. Today you may have everything and tomorrow you have nothing. It also gives a lesson on how the poor people are more willing to give than the rich people. I believe that any child reading this book can relate to it in one way or another. After reading this book the young reader will feel that their problems are nothing compared to Esperanza’s problems.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 29, 2008
Polette, Keith, Szegedy, Esther (Illustrator). Isabel And The Hungry Coyote. Wisconsin: Raven Tree Press, LLC, 2004. 32 pages. Ages 5-8. Genre: Traditional literature. Language: English/Spanish
This book is the retelling of the folk tales Little Red Riding Hood. Isabel is the girls name and instead of a fox it’s a coyote. Keith Polette is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the English Education program at the University of Texas. His book The Winter Duckling won the International Reading Association’s Children’s Choice Award. He lives in El Paso, Texas with his cat, Emily.
This book is full with colorful pictures. The book is mostly in English with a few words in Spanish. It includes a list of the Spanish words in the back of the book and next to it the English word. I recommend this book because student can compare Isabel And The Hungry Coyote to Little Red Riding Hood. I think children will like it because they already know the plot of the book just different characters. What I liked more about this book was the southwest setting.
Reviewed by: Yolanda Rodriguez May 31, 2008